Police officers in Victoria play a vital role in protecting our communities, responding to emergencies, and supporting people on their worst days. From Geelong to the Surf Coast and across the Bellarine Peninsula, officers regularly witness trauma, violence, death, and...
Happy Minds blog
PTSD in police officers: understanding trauma behind the badge in Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula
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Coping with grief after stillbirth: finding support and healing in Geelong
Read MoreLosing a baby through stillbirth is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. It brings profound grief, disbelief, and emotional pain that can feel impossible to put into words. The joy of anticipation suddenly turns into shock...
Coping with miscarriage: finding support and healing with a Geelong psychologist
Read MoreExperiencing a miscarriage is one of the most profound and heartbreaking forms of loss. Whether it occurs early in pregnancy or later, miscarriage can bring a wave of emotional, physical, and psychological pain that often feels invisible to the outside...
Healing from birth trauma: how EMDR therapy can help
Read MoreFor many new parents, the birth of a child is expected to be one of life’s most joyful and transformative experiences. But for some, childbirth can be overwhelming, frightening, or even traumatic. When a birth doesn’t go to plan —...
Preparing for a second birth after a traumatic first experience: how EMDR therapy can help
Read MoreFor many parents, the thought of a second birth brings a mix of hope and apprehension. While they may long for a healing or redemptive experience, those who have previously endured a difficult or traumatic first birth often feel heightened...
Trauma and first responders: understanding the hidden impact and the path to healing
Read MoreBy Sarah-Jayne Duryea, Principal Psychologist | Happy Minds Psychology, Geelong Every day, first responders — police officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency dispatchers, and SES volunteers — face situations most people can’t imagine. They are the ones who run toward danger, hold...
Healing After Surrogacy: Reclaiming Identity and Emotional Balance Post-Birth
Read MoreThe weeks and months following a surrogacy birth are often described as bittersweet. There is joy, gratitude, and relief — but also hormonal shifts, fatigue, and emotional recalibration. For surrogates, this can be a moment of pride mixed with unexpected...
EMDR for Police and Paramedics: Fast Track Trauma Recovery in Geelong
Read MoreAs police officers and paramedics, you face relentless demands on the frontline, confronting emergencies that leave lasting echoes on your mental health. At Happy Minds Psychology, our psychologists are dedicated to supporting first responders with Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing...
Trauma Recovery: How Geelong Psychologists Help
Read MoreTrauma can leave deep marks, shaping how you feel, think, and move through the world—sometimes long after the event itself. We understand how trauma’s weight can linger, whether from a single moment or ongoing experiences. Healing isn’t about erasing the...
EMDR Therapy in Geelong: How It Helps With Anxiety and PTSD
Read MoreEye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a transformative approach to addressing trauma and anxiety. This evidence-based method helps individuals process and reframe distressing memories, enabling them to move forward with greater clarity and emotional resilience. For those in...
